St. Peters was built 1888-1890 and the consecration service took place on Monday 28th July by the Bishop of Llandaff.It is a good example of the "Early English Style" architecture. It was founded by the Llewellyn family of Baglan Hall. Originally a Chapell of Ease of Ystradyfodwg Parrish Church. St. Peters is a splendid example of the work of its architect F.W.Kempton and was built by Thomas Collins of Tewksbury. The original cost was £20,000 and was built to seat 800 people.The tower is one hundred feet high.
St. Peters is unofficially called
"THE CATHEDRAL OF THE RHONDDA" The clock prior to its restoration and electrification in the early 1980's served the parrish for over 90yrs. It took 20mins approx. to wind manually. It has now passed its century. It was made by Joyce of Whitchurch, Shropshire.
The tower contains 8 bells which were cast by Taylors of Loughborough about 1890. They were originally on plain bearings but were rehung on ball bearings in 1928 by the local band.
DETAILS
Treble 5cwt 1gr 20lbs.
2 6cwt 0gr 12lbs.
3 7cwt 3gr 3lbs.
4 9cwt 3gr 27lbs.
5 12cwt 0gr 24lbs.
6 13cwt 0gr 9lbs.
7 19cwt 1gr 8lbs.
Tenor 26cwt 3gr 10lbs.
THE TENOR IS THE HEAVIEST RINGING BELL IN WALES. The bells were originally rung by the men who built the church who then stopped on to work in the valley collieries. In the early years of the last century St. Peters became one of the leading bands in Wales, and taught themselves up to Surprise Major Standard.
Unfortunately there is no local band at present. As the bells are hung high in the 100ft. tower, which not being butressed, moves considerably, means they are not the easiest bells to ring.
However they are an exstemely fine example of Taylor Bells and are also extremly rewarding to ring.
Visitors are very welcome at St. Peters for all ringing occasions, such as outings, quarter peals & peals.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN BEING TAUGHT TO RING OR VISIT PLEASE CONTACT- Mr Reg.Davies or Dr. Tudor Edwards 21.Bailey St. 5, Pleasant View, Ton Pentre, Pentre, Rhondda. Rhondda. CF 41 7EL CF417PJ 01443 438092 01443 435705 'E' Mail[email protected]